unshorn

The department offers exemptions for officers with beards from certain faith groups, such as Sikhs, whose religion expects devout members to maintain unshorn hair and beards.

Devout members of the Sikh faith are expected to keep their beards unshorn or avoid trimming them to display their commitment to their religion.

However, their Sikh faith requires them in part to maintain unshorn hair and beards, which conflicted with the Marine Corps’ standard grooming policy for boot camp for newly enlisted recruits, which lasts 13 weeks.

“Sikhs maintain a very visible identity and they are often targeted for clothing articles of faith, in particular Sikh men who wear turbans and keep unshorn facial hair,” Ms. Singh said.

It is an article of faith and a unique part of the Sikh identity, along with maintaining a beard and unshorn hair.